Handgrip strength among COPD patients in the primary care

Background: Handgrip strength is widely used to measure the upper limb strength and has been proved to be associated with COPD mortality Aim: To explore the association of handgrip strength with other commonly used parameters of COPD severity (FEV1, GOLD stage, comorbidities) as well as maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP). Methods: We evaluated consecutive patients with COPD in collaboration with a network of GPs within a screening program. We evaluated symptoms (CAT score), history of exacerbations during the last year, comorbidities and all patients underwent spirometry and measurement of MIP and MEP. Handgrip strength was measured with the Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Patients were seated with the shoulders adducted, elbows flexed to 90° and forearms in a neutral position. Three repetitions were performed for each hand; best measurement in kilograms was recorded and the average value was used for analysis. Results: Ninety two patients with COPD were included (73 males, FEV1: 67.1 ±19.6 %pred.). They were distributed to GOLD (2011) stages as: A (49), B (26), C (7) and D (10). Handgrip force was 42 ±10 kg on the right side and 40 ±11 kg on the left side. The average handgrip strength for both hands was positively correlated with MIP (r=0.431, p Conclusions: Handgrip strength could be easily measured among COPD patients in the primary care, is correlated with MIP-MEP and evaluates a parameter different from other aspects of disease severity.